Microbiological testing for safe food products
As a food company, you are responsible for the safety of your products. Microbiological testing is indispensable for this. By testing your products before they reach the consumer, you prevent health risks and show that you take food safety seriously.
In addition, microbiological testing is required by law. According to EU Regulation 178/2002, you may only market safe food products. It goes without saying: products must not make consumers sick. Regular and careful research helps you to demonstrably meet this requirement.
Our approach: tailored microbiological research
We perform microbiological analyses on food and water, focusing on general indicators, pathogens and hygiene parameters. Based on your products and processes, we determine together which microorganisms are relevant and which research methods are necessary.
In our laboratory, we investigate whether your product meets the applicable microbiological criteria and legal standards. This gives you clear insight into the safety and quality of your products.
What this gives you
- You know for sure that your product complies with statutory microbiological standards.
- You reduce the risk of recalls, complaints and damage to your reputation.
- You get clear and reliable analysis results
- You can demonstrate that you work with food safety
- You receive relevant analysis results for making business decisions
Expertise and reliable analyses
To determine whether a foodstuff meets microbiological criteria, we examine the presence and/or quantity of microorganisms. We do this via PCR and traditional culture methods in petri dishes, among other methods. After an average of 3 to 5 days, we pronounce on:
- Whether a microorganism is present (demonstrated or not demonstrated)
- The amount of microorganisms in the product (count).
Besides classical methods, we also use Real-time PCR. Here we analyze the DNA of microorganisms, allowing us to quickly and reliably determine whether a specific microorganism is present.
Working together on food safety
We help you meet legal obligations and support you in ensuring food safety. Not only by performing analyses, but also by thinking with you about the interpretation of results and follow-up steps. So you are never alone
Future-oriented and responsible
Food safety requires constant attention. By conducting structural microbiological research, you are not only working towards compliance with the law, but also towards a sustainable and future-proof food chain. That's better for your company and for the consumer.
Selection of microbiological studies
General indicators
- (An)aerobic count
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Coagulase-positive staphylococci
- Coliforms
- Streptococci
- Yeasts & fungi
- Lactobacilli
- Lactic acid bacteria
- Pseudomonas
- Anaerobic sulfite reducing bacteria
Pathogens
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Listeria spp.
- Salmonella spp.
- E. coli & STEC
- Bacillus cereus
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium perfringens
- Cronobacter sakazakii
- Vibrio spp
Water testing
- E. coli
- Coliforms
- Germ count at 22°C / 36°C
- Enterococci
- Legionella
Accredited laboratory
Microbiological testing must be performed reliably. NVWA in the Netherlands and FAVV in Belgium require food companies to use accredited laboratories for this purpose. We perform many of our microbiological analyses under accreditation. This ensures that the results meet the applicable quality requirements and are accepted by regulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. According to EU legislation, you cannot put unsafe food on the market.
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This depends on your product, process and risk analysis. We will be happy to advise you on this.
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Culture shows presence and quantity, PCR quickly detects if DNA of a microorganism is present.
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For culture methods, on average, within 3 to 5 days. PCR results are often available sooner.
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Yes. We actively think with you and help you with follow-up steps.